Antalya, Turkey (AP): President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin have held an informal meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 economic summit in Turkey.
The two leaders chatted in a foursome with Obama's national security adviser Susan Rice and a Russian aide.
Their meeting was visible on a television feed provided by the summit's host country of Turkey, but their conversation couldn't be heard. Reporters weren't allowed in for the meeting, which took place during a working lunch for leaders attending the summit.
The White House says the 35-minute meeting centered on talks to end Syria's civil war and that the two leaders agreed that the country needs a political transition led by Syrians.
The transition would be preceded by negotiations mediated by the United Nations and a cease-fire.
The White House says the two leaders also discussed the conflict in Ukraine and that Obama expressed condolences for the victims in the Russian plane crash last month in the Sinai Peninsula.
Obama and Putin both leaned in close to each other as they talked, with Obama gesturing expressively with his hands.
Read Also: Barack Obama vows to 'redouble' Islamic State fight after Paris
President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin have held an informal meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 economic summit in Turkey.
The two leaders chatted in a foursome with Obama's national security adviser Susan Rice and a Russian aide.
Their meeting was visible on a television feed provided by the summit's host country of Turkey, but their conversation couldn't be heard. Reporters weren't allowed in for the meeting, which took place during a working lunch for leaders attending the summit.
Obama and Putin both leaned in close to each other as they talked, with Obama gesturing expressively with his hands.
The huddle comes as the U.S., Russia and other countries pursue a new diplomatic plan to try to end Syria's civil war.
